Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Pecan Weevil Control by Dielectric Heating [PDF]
AUTHORS	S.O. Nelson and J.A. Payne 1981 17 1 51-56
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Abstract Exposure of pecan-weevil-infested in-shell pecans of 6.1% kernel moisture to 43-MHz dielectric heating treatments for 25 s killed all of the larvae in the pecans. Similar treatment of larvae in pecan kernel pieces of 2.6% moisture provided complete control with shorter exposures and lower temperatures in the pecans. Microwave heating treatments at 2450 MHz were somewhat less effective in controlling pecan weevil larvae in broken pieces of pecan kernels and shells than were 40-MHz treatments of the same materials. The importance of pecan moisture content is discussed. Treatments that control the larvae in in-shell pecans will probably reduce pecan germination substantially, but effects on pecans for food uses have not yet been evaluated.